Island students showcased their new computer programming skills at the first Provincial Coding Arcade this morning.
Approximately 50 students in grades 4, 5, and 6 took part in the arcade at Cornwall’s Eliot River School, where they presented the coding projects they created in the classroom over the year. Many of the students developed their own video games to demonstrate the concepts they learned.
“We commend the students and their innovative teachers on the amazing projects that resulted from this year’s introduction of coding to Island classrooms,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie. “The coding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills they are learning today will help to prepare them to compete for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Through the Coding Quest program, 35 teachers took training to help grades 4 to 6 students learn the language of computing and basic programming skills. The initiative was supported by funding of $15,000 from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
“Coding is quickly becoming a core competency in many workplaces,” said Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald. “We are pleased to collaborate with our education colleagues in preparing our youth to be the innovators of the future in technology and across all sectors.”
Coding Quest challenges students to apply critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and science, technology and engineering and math (STEM) skills. The program was developed by The Learning Partnership, a national charity dedicated to advancing public education through partnerships with Canadian schools and stakeholders.
The program will be evaluated and plans will be made to offer the program to more Island teachers, students, and schools next year.
Media contact:
Jean Doherty
Education, Early Learning and Culture
902-314-5702
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca